Imani’s bus ride from Vermont to Adams was more nausea-inducing than usual. She didn’t have enough for the return trip, but she figured it was better than walking both ways. Also, they didn’t sell prenatal vitamins at the corner store. And even if they did, if she bought something like that in the neighborhood, word would get to her mom. Or worse, to Darius. She predicted his method of birth control was beating on her belly until she bled out. At least if she died, her mom would leave Darius. Then Byron would be safe.
The Ralphs supermarket was bright and clean. When her mom used to be home more, they shopped there all the time. She missed those days. When it was just her, her mom, and Byron. They were good together. Even when her mom had other boyfriends, they didn’t dare touch her. She’
